“St. Luke’s Christmas” // Christmas In The Gospels

“Always be joyful.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NLT)

“Everything written in the Scriptures was written to teach us, in order that we might have hope through the patience and encouragement which the Scriptures give us.” Romans 15:4 (TEV)

Five shocking truths that will bring you joy

1. Joy is here.

 
“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.”    Luke 2:8-9 (NLT)

“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.”    Luke 2:8-9 (NLT)

2. Joy is sent.

“They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12 (NLT)
“They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. ‘Don’t be afraid!’ he said. ‘I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.’” Luke 2:10-12 (NLT)

“After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished.” Luke 2:17-18

3. Joy is a journey.

“They continued their journey, and the star that they had seen in its rising went before them until it stopped over the place where the child was. And when they caught sight of the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Matthew 2:9-10 (MON)

“Crying may last for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Psalm 30:5

“You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.” John 16:20

“Let them all praise the name of the LORD. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven!” 
Psalm 148:13

4. Joy is scary.

“Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, ‘This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others.” Luke 2:34

5. Joy is a choice.

“Mary responded, ‘Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.’” Luke 1:46-48 (NLT) 

“Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. ‘Don’t be afraid, Mary,’ the angel told her, ‘for you have found favor with God!’” Luke 1:29-30 (NLT)

“For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

“I have told you these things so that you can have the same joy I have and so that your joy will be the fullest possible joy.” John 15:11 (NCV)

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